Hi Mark S Borders,
I know very well the person who develops these details ;-), and I can tell you that each line in these details is there or is not there by a reason
The details are exactly this: the typical constructive details following the codes, including the fact that, for a better understanding, the details are required to show different patterns for different materials. Of course you can delete the patterns if you wish, and save the details
But, in my opinion, the most important point here is why these details are in Punch, and what they are representing. These details are intended for presentation purposes only, for building permits, for example. Therefore the Punch user or the builder should fill the specifications
As I stated previously, if Punch or other sw manufacturer or any professional creates a building detail specifying that the height of a certain joist is 10" or 12" or other value, and then you use this detail to build your house and your house falls, the person who specified the values is liable for this fact
This why, the Punch details are not intended for construction and they show the "??" signs instead of a value
Yesterday a Punch user asked for the typical dims of the structural pieces. This is part of the answer
Regarding the "typical values" for the pieces, as you probably know, I am an Architect, so for your own safety (and your family's), let me explain some issues, starting with the building codes
As we all know, there is a building code, but each state has its own version / adaptation as well as each county.
An Architect, Engineer, etc must elaborate the interpretation / application of the Building codes, calculation of structures and foundations, etc. Not only for the technical understanding of these issues, but for the liability.
An advice regarding a technical subject (something basic as the wood dimension and independent if you are paid for this advice or not) implies liability. And this could be a legal issue if I (or other professional or a software) provide advice about a technical problem
Structures / materials are quite different depending the characteristics of the soil / topography, wind conditions and seismic calculations.
I'd suggest also, to read my article "Do I need an architect?"in my website
http://www.punchhelpers.com/need_arch.html or you can check lots of interesting discussions about this topic in this forum. Perform a search with the word "architect" and "CAD"
Hope this helps
Patricia
